The Star Ferry Company has been taking passengers across Victoria Harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1888. While the MRT can get you from one side of the city to the other much faster, a trip on the iconic ferry is one of my favorite experiences in Hong Kong, and a way to connect to a piece of the city’s history. The ride from once side of the harbor to the other takes around ten minutes, and gives some of the best views of downtown Hong Kong on both sides of the harbor.

A view of downtown Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour from onboard the Star Ferry.

Sometimes, especially if the weather is nice, I like to ride the ferry back and forth across the harbor. The ride isn’t expensive; you can pay with cash (purchase a single-trip token) or with Octopus Card (Hong Kong’s city-wide pre-paid card). Tickets cost around $2-$3 HKD depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend.

The Kowloon Star Ferry Terminal with downtown Hong Kong in the background.

Each of the Star Ferry boats has a star-themed name like Evening Star or Glowing Star. The current fleet of ferries has been in service since the 1950s, and give riders a real glimpse into Hong Kong’s past and the way of life in the city before the MTR was constructed.

The Star Ferry Company also offers harbor tours on specially-designed Star Ferry boats.

On board the iconic Star Ferry in Hong Kong

Star Ferry Routes and Piers

The Star Ferry operates two routes from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier in Kowloon to Central Pier and Wan Chai Pier, both located on Hong Kong Island.

Central Star Ferry Pier (Hong Kong Island)

The Central Star Ferry Pier is located at Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong near Hong Kong MTR Station. It is located in the city’s big boat terminal alongside the piers that carry passengers between Hong Kong’s Outer Islands.

Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier (Hong Kong Island)

Wan Chai Pier is also located on Hong Kong Island near the Hong Kong Convention Center and the Golden Bauhinia Statue. The pier is easily reached by foot from MTR Causeway Bay Station.

Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (Kowloon)

There is just one Star Ferry pier on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. It can be found at Tsim Sha Tsui, near the Kowloon Clock Tower and the Hong Kong Space Museum. The closest MTR station is MTR Tsim Sha Tsui.